Uncle Mikey and the winged bean

A Peace Corps - Western Samoa, South Pacific - tale

8:06 PM,
Apr. 4, 2014

Written by

paul karrer
community columnist

Michael was 26, tall and well-muscled. Born and raised in Richmond, Va., he wittingly - or unwittingly - subscribed the polite mannerisms of "The Grand ole' South." That, and his Southern accent, endeared nearly every volunteer in Peace Corps Teachers' Group 27 to him.

"Uncle Mikey," as the other group members affectionately referred to him, showed himself to be bright, energetic, and positive. His long-term goal was to become a doctor. Consequently, there were a few things he needed to prove to himself. At the core of his needs was the desire to have a "true Peace Corps experience."